Image processing apparatus, device control program, and power control method

ABSTRACT

An image processing apparatus is provided that includes plural devices, a device control unit associated with each of the devices for controlling a power status of each of the devices according to a relevant power mode, and power mode setting unit for setting the relevant power mode to the device control unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Rule 1.53(b) continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/827,792 filed Jul. 13, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No.8,228,524 which claims the priority of Japanese patent applications nos.2006-192963 and 2007-110854 filed with the Japan Patent Office on Jul.13, 2006 and Apr. 19, 2007, respectively.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a devicecontrol program, and a power control method.

2. Description of the Related Art

Image processing apparatuses are known in the prior art that are adaptedto operate in plural power modes in order to reduce the powerconsumption rate. For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.2005-215628 discloses a technique related to an image processingapparatus that is capable of detailed power saving control with respectto each image processing function to be executed by determining a partthat may be operated in power saving mode depending on the input mode ofa processing image and the output mode of the processing image.

Also, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2005-303978 discloses atechnique related to an image forming apparatus that uses two differentCPUs for normal mode and power saving mode. In normal mode, a main CPUcontrols a sub CPU to perform data transmission/reception, and in powersaving mode, the sub CPU performs data transmission/reception. Further,in the case of switching from normal mode to power saving mode, the mainCPU directs the sub CPU to switch to power saving mode and the sub CPUundergoes a smooth transition to take control of datatransmission/reception operations according to directions from the mainCPU. In this way, communication may not be interrupted upon switchingbetween power saving mode and normal mode in an image forming apparatus.

It is noted that energy efficiency standard values for OA apparatusesare established by the International Energy Star Program. Specifically,the International Energy Start Program defines power modes such asnormal mode, low power mode, off mode, and sleep mode for each of OAapparatuses including a computer, a display, a scanner, a facsimilemachine, and a multifunction machine, for example.

However, the above-disclosed techniques are not adapted for cases inwhich devices to be included in the image processing apparatus are notdetermined beforehand, and techniques for controlling each of pluraldevices connected to the image processing apparatus according to theirpower modes are not taken into account.

For example, there are cases in which a device of an image processingapparatus of a same apparatus model is varied depending on its grade orpreferences of the user, for example. Particularly, with respecttechniques related to an image forming apparatus corresponding to onetype of image processing apparatus, it is becoming quite common tocustomize an image forming apparatus by selectively incorporatingdevices including main devices such as a scanner and a plotter accordingto preferences of each user, for example.

When power control methods according to the prior art are used in suchan image forming apparatus, since the device to be connected is notdetermined beforehand, software for power status control has to bedeveloped for each possible combination of devices that may beconnected. In this case, when the number of connectable devices isincreased, the number of possible combinations of such devices isexponentially increased accordingly, and in turn, the number ofnecessary types of software is increased as well. However, if detailedsoftware development is performed for each user, the number of each typeof apparatus produced with each combination of software may becomesmaller. Thus, if software is developed with respect to eachcombination, development costs may be increased and the required timefor development may be increased, for example.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to controlling thepower status of devices included in an image processing apparatus thatinvolves adding/changing device control units in conjunction with anaddition/change of a device.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an imageprocessing apparatus is provided that includes

plural devices;

a device control unit associated with each of the devices to control apower status of each of the devices according to a relevant power mode;and

a power mode setting unit configured to set the relevant power mode tothe device control unit.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a powercontrol method is provided for controlling power of an image processingapparatus that includes plural devices and a device control unitassociated with each of the devices, the method including:

a device controlling step for controlling a power status of each of thedevices according to a relevant power mode of the image processingapparatus; and

a power mode setting step for setting the relevant power mode to thedevice control unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary functionalconfiguration of an image processing apparatus according to a firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sequence chart illustrating an exemplary process sequencefor controlling the power status of the image processing apparatusaccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a sequence chart illustrating an exemplary process sequence ofthe image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment in acase where the image processing apparatus includes three device controlunits;

FIG. 4 is a sequence chart illustrating an exemplary process sequence ofthe image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment in acase where the power status of a device cannot be changed to therequested power status;

FIG. 5 is a sequence chart illustrating an exemplary process sequence ofthe image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment in acase where power mode setting operations are retried when the powerstatus of a device cannot be changed the first time;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer programaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a sequence chart illustrating an exemplary process sequencefor setting the power mode of a copier;

FIG. 8 is a sequence chart illustrating an exemplary process sequencefor setting the power mode of a multifunction machine;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary functionalconfiguration of an image processing apparatus according to a secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a sequence chart illustrating an exemplary process sequencefor controlling the power status of the image processing apparatusaccording to the second embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a sequence chart illustrating another exemplary processsequence for controlling the power status of the image processingapparatus according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a sequence chart illustrating an exemplary process sequenceof the image processing apparatus according to the second embodimentthat involves issuing a power mode setting preparation request;

FIG. 13 is a sequence chart illustrating an exemplary process sequenceof the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment ina case where an additional device is included in the image processingapparatus;

FIG. 14 is a sequence chart illustrating an exemplary process sequenceof the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment ina case where an additional service providing unit is included in theimage processing apparatus;

FIG. 15 is a sequence chart illustrating an exemplary process sequenceof the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment ina case where the power status of a service providing unit cannot bechanged to the requested power status;

FIG. 16 is a sequence chart illustrating another exemplary processsequence of the image processing apparatus according to the secondembodiment in the case where the power status of a service providingunit cannot be changed to the requested power status;

FIG. 17 is a sequence chart illustrating an exemplary process sequenceof the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment ina case where a service providing unit cannot be switched to power statuschange preparation status in response a power status change preparationrequest;

FIG. 18 is a sequence chart illustrating an exemplary process sequenceof the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment ina case where the power status of a device cannot be changed to therequested power status;

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating another exemplary configuration of acomputer program according to an embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computerthat functions as an image processing apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention aredescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(International Energy Star Program)

The International Energy Star Program that defines power efficiencymodes of OA apparatuses is described below. For example, theInternational Energy Star Program defines normal mode, low power mode,and sleep mode as power modes of a multifunction machine, and furtherdefines off mode in addition to the above-mentioned power modes for adigital copier with extended functions as one type of the multifunctionmachine.

The low power mode of a multifunction machine is the first low powerstatus to which the power mode is automatically switched after outputoperations are not performed for a predetermined period of time whichlower power status is realized without receiving information from aninput source. In low power mode, a delay may occur in output operationsof an image, but a delay may not occur in receiving information from theinput source.

Also, the sleep mode of a multifunction machine is a second low powerstatus to which the power mode is automatically switched after outputoperations are still not performed for a predetermined period of timeafter switching to the lower power mode which low power status isrealized without turning off the power. In sleep mode, delays may occurin output operations of an image and reception of information from aninput source.

Also, the off mode of a digital copier with extended functions is apower off status to which the power mode is automatically switched by anautomatic power off function when the digital copier with the extendedfunction is suitably connected to a power supply.

In the following descriptions, power modes of a multifunction machineaccording to standards defined by the International Energy Star Programare described as illustrative examples of power mode settings of animage processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. However, the present invention is not limited toimplementation of the International Energy Star Program, and may equallybe applied to any image processing apparatus that implements powersaving mode settings.

Also, it is noted that in order to improve usability, power modeswitching may not be performed on a main device in certain casesdepending on the type of the main device or its attribute and the statusof the device. For example, power mode switching may not be performedwhen a scanner device is performing scanning operations. Also, powermode switching may not be performed when a plotter device is performingprinting operations, but the power switching may be retried after theelapse of a predetermined time period, for example.

Also, when a HDD device is performing write operations or readoperations, or when a communications device is performing communicationoperations, power switching to a power status corresponding to off modemay not be performed but power switching to a power status correspondingto low power mode or sleep mode may be performed. In a case where powerswitching to off mode cannot be performed, the power switching may beretried after the elapse of a predetermined time period.

It is noted that the above-described power mode setting conditions aremerely illustrative examples, and an image processing apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention is not limited tosetting such conditions so long as it is adapted to implement pluralpower mode settings.

[First Embodiment]

(FIG. 1)

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary functionalconfiguration of an image processing apparatus according to a firstembodiment of the present invention. In the image processing apparatus 1of FIG. 1 the power status of one or more devices is controlled bycorresponding device control means according to power mode settingconditions set by power mode setting means. The image processingapparatus 1 includes power mode setting means 10, device control means20 a-20 c, devices 30 a-30 c, and a power supply 40.

The power mode setting means 10 is for setting the power modes of theimage processing apparatus 1. For example, the power mode setting means10 may set power modes of the image processing apparatus 1 according tothe International Energy Start Program. The power mode setting means 10includes devices registering means 11 and previous power mode retainingmeans 12.

The device registering means 11 is for registering a device that isconnected to the image processing apparatus 1. The device registeringmeans 11 registers device 30 based on a registration request from thedevice control means 20 associated with this device 30. The previouspower mode retaining means 12 is for retaining the previous power modeof the image processing apparatus 1 set right before the current powermode that is specified in a power status change request conveyed fromthe power setting means 10 to the device control means 20.

The device control means 20 a-20 c are for controlling the devices 30a-30 c, respectively. Specifically, the device control means 20 a-20 care configured to set the power statuses of their corresponding devices30 a-30 c based on power mode settings acquired from the power modesetting means 10. The power status corresponding to the power mode setby the power mode setting means 10 may vary depending on each device.Thus, each device control means 20 controls the power status of itscorresponding device 30 based on the power mode set by the power modesetting means 10.

The device control means 20 a-20 c includes device status acquiringmeans 21 a-21 c, respectively. The device status acquiring means 21 a-21c are for acquiring statuses of the devices 30 a-30 c, respectively.When the status of the device 30 acquired by the device status acquiringmeans 21 is not consistent with the power mode acquired from the powermode setting means 10, the device control means 20 does not performpower status change operations for changing the power status of thedevice 30 and conveys a power status change rejection signal to thepower mode setting means 10.

For example, power mode switching may not be performed during scanningoperations of the scanning device or plotting operations of the plottingdevice. Thus, when device status acquiring means 21 of device controlmeans 20 for a scanner device acquires status information indicatingthat scanning operations are currently performed, the device controlmeans 20 conveys a power status change rejection signal to the powermode setting means 10. Also, when device status acquiring means 21 ofdevice control means 20 for a plotter device acquires status informationindicating that plotting operations are currently performed, the devicecontrol means 20 conveys a power status change rejection signal to thepower mode setting means 10. In one preferred embodiment, when it isdetermined that plotting operations are currently performed, the powermode setting means 10 may retry power mode setting (changing) after theelapse of a predetermined time period, for example.

The devices 30 a-30 c are for realizing various functions of the imageprocessing apparatus 1 and are controlled by device control means 20a-20 c, respectively. The power supply 40 is for supplying power to theimage processing apparatus 1.

It is noted that the devices to be controlled based on the power modeset by the power mode setting means 10 and the corresponding devicecontrol means are not limited to the three devices and device controlmeans shown in the illustrated example of FIG. 1; that is, any pluralnumber of devices and device control means according to the functions ofthe image processing apparatus may be provided in an image processingapparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(Correspondence of Units of FIGS. 2-8 to FIG. 1)

Power monitoring units 100-120 shown in FIGS. 2-8 correspond to thepower mode setting means 10 of FIG. 1. Device control units 200 a-200 c,plotter control units 210 a and 220 a, scanner control units 210 b and220 b, a HDD control unit 200 c, and a network device 220 d maycorrespond to any of the device control means 20 a-20 c of FIG. 1.

(FIG. 2)

FIG. 2 is a sequence chart illustrating a basic power control processsequence of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. According to the illustrated example of FIG. 2,when a main power supply of the image processing apparatus is turned on,devices connected to the image processing apparatus are registered and arelevant power mode is set. In FIG. 2, power mode setting of the imageprocessing apparatus is realized by having the device control units 200a and 200 b exchange requests and responses with the power monitoringunit 100. It is noted that in the present embodiment, process steps S101a-S110 a related to the device control unit 200 a and process steps S101b-S110 b related to the device control unit 200 b are to be executed inthe order in which they are indicated within their corresponding processsequences. On the other hand, the order in which the process sequencerelated to the device control unit 200 a and the process sequencerelated to the device control unit 200 b are performed does notnecessarily have to be in the indicated order.

In step S101 of FIG. 2, the main power supply is turned on and the powermonitoring unit 100 is activated. In steps S101 a and S101 b that may beperformed at the same time as step S101 or after S101, the devicecontrol unit 200 a is activated (S101 a) and the device control unit 200b is activated (S101 b).

In the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 a, afterstep S101 a, the process moves on to step S102 a where the devicecontrol unit 200 a conveys a registration request to the power statusmonitoring unit 100. After step S102 a, the process moves on to stepS103 a where device registering means of the power status monitoringunit 100 registers the device control unit 200 a.

In the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 b, afterstep S101 b, the process moves on to step S102 b where the devicecontrol unit 200 b conveys a registration request to the powermonitoring unit 100. After step S102 b, the process moves on to stepS103 b where device registering means of the power status monitoringunit 100 registers the device control unit 200 b.

It is noted that in the registration requesting steps S102 a and S102 b,the device control units 200 a and 200 b convey predeterminedinformation to the power status monitoring unit 100. The predeterminedinformation may be information on the type of device controlled by thedevice controlling units 200 a and 200 b or attributes associatedtherewith, for example. Attributes of a device may be informationindicating whether to retry setting of the power status after the elapseof a predetermined time period in a case where the power status is resetto the previous power status owing to the fact that the current statusof the device is not consistent with the power mode set by the powermonitoring unit 100, for example.

In the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 a, afterstep S103 a, the process moves on to step S104 a where the powermonitoring unit 100 conveys a power status change request to the devicecontrol unit 200 a for switching to a power status corresponding topower on mode. After step S104 a, the process moves on to step S105 awhere the device control unit 200 a sets the power status of itscorresponding device 300 a (not shown) to power on mode.

In the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 b, afterstep S103 b, the process moves on to step S104 b where the powermonitoring unit 100 conveys a power status change request to the devicecontrol unit 200 b for switching to a power status corresponding topower on mode. After step S104 b, the process moves on to step S105 bwhere the device control unit 200 b sets the power status of itscorresponding device 300 b (not shown) to power on mode.

In the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 a, afterstep S105 a, the process moves on to step S106 a where the devicecontrol unit 200 a conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the power status ofthe device 300 a has been switched to power on mode.

In the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 b, afterstep S105 b, the process moves on to step S106 b where the devicecontrol unit 200 b conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the power status ofthe device 300 b has been switched to power on mode.

The above process sequences from step S101 to step S106 a and from stepS101 to step S106 b illustrate transitions of the power status ofdevices from the time the main power supply of the image processingapparatus 1 is turned on until the devices are activated and switched topower on mode.

In the following, exemplary process sequences are described of a case inwhich the image processing apparatus 1 is switched from power on mode tolow power mode. In step S107, the power status monitoring unit 100 setsthe power mode to low power mode. In one example, the power statusmonitoring unit 100 may set the power mode to low power mode when outputoperations are not performed for a predetermined period of time innormal mode.

In the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 a, afterstep S107, the process moves on to step S108 a where the powermonitoring unit 100 conveys a power status change request to the devicecontrol unit 200 a for changing the power status of its correspondingdevice 300 a to low power mode. After step S108 a, the process moves onto step S109 a where the device control unit 200 a switches the powerstatus of its corresponding device 300 a (not shown) to low power mode.

In the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 b, afterstep S107, the process moves on to step S108 b where the powermonitoring unit 100 conveys a power status change request to the devicecontrol unit 200 b for changing the power status of its correspondingdevice 300 b to low power mode. After step S108 b, the process moves onto step S109 b where the device control unit 200 b switches the powerstatus of its corresponding device 300 b (not shown) to low power mode.

After step S109 a, the process moves on to step S110 a where the devicecontrol unit 200 a conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the power status ofthe device 300 a has been switched to low power mode.

After step S109 b, the process moves on to step S110 b where the devicecontrol unit 200 b conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the power status ofthe device 300 b has been switched to low power mode.

According to one example, in steps S105 a, S105 b, S109 a, and S109 b,the device control units 200 a and 200 b may be configured to change thepower statuses of their corresponding devices 300 a and 300 b when thepower statuses of theses devices acquired by device status acquiringmeans of the device control units 200 a and 200 b are different from thepower statuses specified in corresponding power status change requestsfrom the power status monitoring unit 100.

(FIG. 3)

FIG. 3 is a sequence chart illustrating a case in which three devicecontrol units 200 a-200 c are provided. In the illustrated example ofFIG. 3, power mode setting of the image processing apparatus 1 isrealized by having the device control units 200 a, 200 b, and 200 cexchange requests and responses with the power status monitoring unit100. It is noted that process steps S201 a-S210 a related to the devicecontrol unit 200 a, process steps S201 b-S210 b related to the devicecontrol unit 200 b, and process steps S201 c-S210 c related to thedevice control unit 200 c are to be executed in the order in which theyare indicated within their corresponding process sequences. On the otherhand, the order in which the process sequence related to the devicecontrol unit 200 a, the process sequence related to the device controlunit 200 b, and the process sequence related to the device control unit200 c are performed does not necessarily have to be in the indicatedorder.

Also, it is noted that the process steps S201 a-S206 a and S208 a-S210 aof FIG. 3 related to the device control unit 200 a and the process stepsS201 b-S206 b and S208 b-S210 b of FIG. 3 related to the device controlunit 200 b are substantially identical to the process steps S101 a-S106a and S108 a-S110 a of FIG. 2 related to the device control unit 200 aand the process steps S101 b-S106 b and S108 b-S110 b of FIG. 2 relatedto the device control unit 200 b. In other words, the process sequencesof FIG. 3 are substantially identical to those illustrated in FIG. 2aside from the fact that in FIG. 3, the power mode is set to power offmode instead of low power mode. Thus, descriptions of the processsequences related to the device control units 200 a and 200 b areomitted.

In the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 c, instep S201, the main power supply is turned on and the power statusmonitoring unit 100 is activated, and in step S201 c that is performedat the same time as step S201 or after S201, the device control unit 200c is activated.

After step S201 c, the process moves on to step S202 c where the devicecontrol unit 200 c conveys a registration request to the power statusmonitoring unit 100. After step S202 c, the process moves on to stepS203 c where device registering means of the power status monitoringunit 100 registers the device control unit 200 c.

After step S203 c, the process moves on to step S204 c where the powermonitoring unit 100 conveys a power status change request to the devicecontrol unit 200 c for switching to a power status corresponding topower on mode. After step S204 c, the process moves on to step S205 cwhere the device control unit 200 c sets the power status of itscorresponding device 300 c (not shown) to power on mode.

After step S205 c, the process moves on to step S206 c where the devicecontrol unit 200 c conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the power status ofthe device 300 c has been switched to power on mode.

The process sequences from step S201 to step S206 a, from step 201 tostep S206 b, and from step S201 to step S206 c are related totransitions of the power status of devices from the time the main powersupply of the image processing apparatus 1 is turned on until thedevices are activated and switched to power on mode.

In the following, exemplary process sequences are described of a case inwhich the image processing apparatus 1 is switched from power on mode topower off mode. In step S207, the power status monitoring unit 100 setsthe power mode to power off mode. In one example, the power statusmonitoring unit 100 may set the power mode to power off mode when outputoperations are not performed for a predetermined period of time in lowpower mode.

In the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 c, afterstep S207, the process moves on to step S208 c where the powermonitoring unit 100 conveys a power status change request to the devicecontrol unit 200 c for switching to a power status corresponding topower off mode. After step S208 c, the process moves on to step S209 cwhere the device control unit 200 c switches the power status of itscorresponding device 300 c (not shown) to power off mode.

After step S209 c, the process moves on to step S210 c where the devicecontrol unit 200 c conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the power status ofthe device 300 c has been switched to power off mode.

According to one example, in steps S205 a, S205 b, S205 c, S209 a, S209b, and S209 c, the device control units 200 a-200 c may be configured tochange the power statuses of their corresponding devices 300 a-300 cwhen the power statuses of theses devices acquired by device statusacquiring means of the device control units 200 a-200 c are differentfrom the power statuses specified in corresponding power status changerequests from the power status monitoring unit 100.

(FIG. 4)

FIG. 4 is a sequence chart illustrating a case in which the status of adevice acquired by device status acquiring means of a device controlunit is not consistent with the power status requested by the powerstatus monitoring unit. For example, the process sequence of FIG. 4 maybe performed after the main power supply is turned on and the powerstatuses of the devices 300 a-300 c are set to normal mode.

It is noted that in the illustrated example of FIG. 4 power mode settingof an image processing apparatus may be realized by having the devicecontrol units 200 a-200 c exchange requests and responses with the powerstatus monitoring unit 100. Also, in FIG. 4, process steps S308-S314 ofa process sequence related to the device control unit 200 a, processsteps S308 b-S314 b of a process sequence related to the device controlunit 200 b, and process steps S308 c-S314 c of a process sequencerelated to the device control unit 200 c are to be executed in the orderin which they are indicated within their corresponding processsequences. On the other hand, the order in which the process sequencerelated to the device control unit 200 a, the process sequence relatedto the device control unit 200 b, and the process sequence related tothe device control unit 200 c are performed does not necessarily have tobe in the indicated order.

In step S307, the power status monitoring unit 100 sets the power modeto power off mode. For example, the power status monitoring unit 100 mayset the power mode to power off mode when output operations are notperformed for a predetermined period of time in low power mode.

In the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 a, afterstep S307, the process moves on to step S308 a where the powermonitoring unit 100 conveys a power status change request to the devicecontrol unit 200 a for switching to a power status corresponding topower off mode. After step S308 a, the process moves on to step S309 awhere the device control unit 200 a switches the power status of itscorresponding device 300 a (not shown) to power off mode.

In the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 b, afterstep S307, the process moves on to step S308 b where the powermonitoring unit 100 conveys a power status change request to the devicecontrol unit 200 b for switching to a power status corresponding topower off mode. After step S308 b, the process moves on to step S309 bwhere the device control unit 200 b switches the power status of itscorresponding device 300 b (not shown) to power off mode.

In the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 c, afterstep S307, the process moves on to step S308 c where the powermonitoring unit 100 conveys a power status change request to the devicecontrol unit 200 c for switching to a power status corresponding topower off mode. After step S308 c, the process moves on to step S309 cwhere the device control unit 200 c attempts to switch the power statusof its corresponding device 300 c (not shown) to power off mode.However, power status change operations are canceled in the present casesince the status of the device 300 c acquired by the device statusacquiring means of the device control unit 200 c is not consistent witha power status corresponding to power off mode.

After step S309 a, the process moves on to step S310 a where the devicecontrol unit 200 a conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the power status ofthe device 300 a has been changed as requested.

After step S309 b, the process moves on to step S310 b where the devicecontrol unit 200 b conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the power status ofthe device 300 b has been changed as requested.

After step S309 c, the process moves on to step S310 c where the devicecontrol unit 200 c conveys a power status change rejection signal to thepower status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the power status of thedevice 300 c cannot be changed as requested.

After signaling power status change rejection in step S310 c, theprocess moves on to step S311 where the power status monitoring unit 100sets the power mode to normal mode corresponding to the previous powermode before setting the power mode to power off mode. The previous powermode may be retained in the previous power mode retaining means 12 ofthe power status monitoring unit 100. In one example, the previous powermode retaining means 12 may be a storage unit of the image processingapparatus 1.

In the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 a, afterstep S311, the process moves on to step S312 a where the power statusmonitoring unit 100 conveys a power status change request to the devicecontrol unit 200 a for switching to a power status corresponding tonormal mode. After step S312 a, the process moves on to step S313 awhere the device control unit 200 a switches the power status of itscorresponding device 300 a (not shown) to normal mode.

In the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 b, afterstep S311, the process moves on to step S312 b where the power statusmonitoring unit 100 conveys a power status change request to the devicecontrol unit 200 b for switching to a power status corresponding tonormal mode. After step S312 b, the process moves on to step S313 bwhere the device control unit 200 b switches the power status of itscorresponding device 300 b (not shown) to normal mode.

In the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 c, afterstep S311, the process moves on to step S312 c where the power statusmonitoring unit 100 conveys a power status change request to the devicecontrol unit 200 c for switching to a power status corresponding tonormal mode. After step S312 c, the process moves on to step S313 cwhere the device control unit 200 c resets the power status of itscorresponding device 300 c (not shown) to normal mode.

It is noted that since the previous power status of the device 300 cbefore performing step S313 c corresponds to normal mode, the powerstatus acquired by the device status acquiring means of the devicecontrol unit 200 c corresponds to the requested power status. Thus, thedevice control unit 200 c does not have to change the power status ofthe device 300 c and may merely reset the power status to the samestatus as before in step S313 c.

After step S313 a, the process moves on to step S314 a where the devicecontrol unit 200 a conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the power status ofthe device 300 a has been changed as requested.

After step S313 b, the process moves on to step S314 b where the devicecontrol unit 200 b conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the power status ofthe device 300 b has been changed as requested.

After step S313 c, the process moves on to step S314 c where the devicecontrol unit 200 c conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the power status ofthe device 300 c has been changed as requested.

It is noted that in one embodiment, the process steps S312 c-S314 crelated status change operations of the device 300 c may be omitted.

Also, in the process steps S309 a, S309 b, S313 a, and S313 b the devicecontrol units 200 a and 200 b may be configured to perform power statuschange operations on their corresponding devices 300 a and 300 b whenthe power statuses of the devices 300 a and 300 b acquired by theirdevice status acquiring means are different from the requested powerstatus, for example.

(FIG. 5)

FIG. 5 is a sequence chart illustrating a case in which power modesetting operations are retried when the power status of a device cannotbe changed as requested. For example, the illustrated process sequenceof FIG. 5 may be performed after the main power supply is turned on andthe devices 300 a-300 c are set to power statuses corresponding tonormal mode.

In the example of FIG. 5, power mode setting of the image processingapparatus may be realized by having the device control units 200 a-200 cexchange requests and responses with the power status monitoring unit100. It is noted that process steps S408 a-S418 a of a process sequencerelated to the device control unit 200 a, process steps S408 b-S418 b ofa process sequence related to the device control unit 200 b, and processsteps S408 c-S418 c of a process sequence related to the device controlunit 200 c are to be executed in the order in which they are indicatedwithin their corresponding process sequences. On the other hand, theorder in which the process sequence related to the device control unit200 a, the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 b,and the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 c areperformed does not necessarily have to be in the indicated order.

Also, it is noted that the process steps S408 a-S410 a and S412 a-S414 arelated to the device control unit 200 a, the process steps S408 b-S410b and S412 b-S414 b related to the device control unit 200 b, and theprocess steps S408 c-S410 c and S412 c-S414 c related to the devicecontrol unit 200 c are substantially identical to the process steps S308a-S310 a and S312 a-S314 a related to the device control unit 200 a, theprocess steps S308 b-S310 b and S312 b-S314 b related to the devicecontrol unit 200 b, and the process steps S308 c-S310 c and S312 c-S314c related to the device control unit 200 c, respectively. Thus,descriptions of such process steps are omitted.

In step S415 that is performed after a predetermined time period elapsesfrom the time power status change completion signals are issued in stepsS414 a-S414 c, the power status monitoring unit 100 sets the power modeto power off mode once again. In one embodiment, the power statusmonitoring unit 100 may store information specifying the power mode ithas attempted to set (i.e., power off mode in the present example) asthe previous power mode in a storage unit of the power status monitoringunit 100, for example, and retry the power mode setting after apredetermined time period elapses.

In the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 a, afterstep S415, the process moves on to step S416 a where the power statusmonitoring unit 100 conveys a power status change request to the devicecontrol unit 200 a for switching to a power status corresponding topower off mode. After step S416 a, the process moves on to step S417 awhere the device control unit 200 a switches the power status of itscorresponding device 300 a (not shown) to power off mode.

In the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 b, afterstep S415, the process moves on to step S416 b where the power statusmonitoring unit 100 conveys a power status change request to the devicecontrol unit 200 b for switching to a power status corresponding topower off mode. After step S416 b, the process moves on to step S417 bwhere the device control unit 200 b switches the power status of itscorresponding device 300 b (not shown) to power off mode.

In the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 c, afterstep S415, the process moves on to step S416 c where the power statusmonitoring unit 100 conveys a power status change request to the devicecontrol unit 200 c for switching to a power status corresponding topower off mode. After step S416 c, the process moves on to step S417 cwhere the device control unit 200 c switches the power status of itscorresponding device 300 c (not shown) to power off mode.

After step S417 a, the process moves on to step S418 a where the devicecontrol unit 200 a conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the power status ofthe device 300 a has been changed as requested.

After step S417 b, the process moves on to step S418 b where the devicecontrol unit 200 b conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the power status ofthe device 300 b has been changed as requested.

After step S417 c, the process moves on to step S418 c where the devicecontrol unit 200 c conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the power status ofthe device 300 c has been changed as requested.

It is noted that in the process steps S409 a, S409 b, S413 a, S413 b,S417 a, S417 b, and S417 c, the device control units 200 a-200 c may beconfigured to change the power statuses of their corresponding devices300 a-300 c when the power statuses of the devices 300 a-300 c acquiredby the device status acquiring means of the device control units 200a-200 c differ from the requested power status according to oneembodiment.

(FIG. 6)

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a devicecontrol program according to an embodiment of the present invention. Inthe illustrated example of FIG. 6, ‘power mode’ is defined as a commonvalue in a device control interface part P100. The ‘power mode’ isequivalent to one of the values of ‘power on mode’, ‘low power mode’,‘sleep mode’, and ‘power off mode’. The value of the ‘power mode’ isinherited in device control programs P200 a-P200 c and reflected in P201a-201 c.

To perform power mode setting or change operations, a power statuschange request is issued according to specifications described in P102of the device control interface. Power status setting parts P202 a-P202c of the device control programs P200 a-P200 c perform power statussetting operations according to programs adapted for their correspondingdevices and convey the operations results as return values to part P102of the device control interface. Part P102 of the device controlinterface receives ‘power status change completion’ or ‘power statuschange rejection’ as return values.

It is noted that the device control interface P100 may be a program forenabling a computer to function as power mode setting means according toan embodiment of the present invention, and the device control partsP200 a-P200 c may be programs for enabling a computer to function asdevice control means according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

(FIG. 7)

FIG. 7 is a sequence chart illustrating a process sequence for settingthe power mode of a copier corresponding to an image processingapparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Thecopier of FIG. 7 includes a plotter 310 a (not shown), a scanner 310 b(not shown), and a HDD 310 c (not shown) as devices to be controlled,and a plotter control unit 210 a, a scanner control unit 210 b, and aHDD control unit 210 c as corresponding device control units.

In step S501 of FIG. 7, the main power supply of the copier is turned onand a power status monitoring unit 110 is activated. In steps S501 a,S501 b, and S501 c that may be performed at the same time as step S501or after step S501, the plotter control unit 210 a, the scanner controlunit 210 b, and the HDD control unit 210 c are activated, respectively.

In the process sequence related to the plotter control unit 210 a, afterstep S501 a, the process moves on to step S502 a where the plottercontrol unit 210 a conveys a registration request to the power statusmonitoring unit 110. After step S502 a, the process moves on to stepS503 a where device registering means of the power status monitoringunit 110 registers the plotter control unit 210 a.

In the process sequence related to the scanner control unit 210 b, afterstep S501 b, the process moves on to step S502 b where the scannercontrol unit 210 b conveys a registration request to the power statusmonitoring unit 110. After step S502 b, the process moves on to stepS503 b where device registering means of the power status monitoringunit 110 registers the scanner control unit 210 b.

In the process sequence related to the HDD control unit 210 c, afterstep S501 c, the process moves on to step S502 c where the HDD controlunit 210 c conveys a registration request to the power status monitoringunit 110. After step S502 c, the process moves on to step S503 c wheredevice registering means of the power status monitoring unit 110registers the HDD control unit 210 c.

In one embodiment, the plotter/scanner/HDD control units 210 a-210 c mayconvey predetermined information to the power status monitoring unit 110in the registration requesting steps S502 a-S502 c. The predeterminedinformation may be information on the type of device controlled by thedevice control unit or attributes of the device, for example. Attributesof a device may be information indicating whether power status changeoperations are to be retried after the elapse of a predetermined timeperiod in a case where the status of the device is reset to a previouspower status due to an inconsistency between the status of the deviceacquired by device status acquiring means and the requested powerstatus.

In the process sequence related to the plotter control unit 210 a, afterstep S503 a, the process moves on to step S504 a where the power statusmonitoring unit 110 conveys a power status change request to the plottercontrol unit 210 a for switching to a power status corresponding topower on mode. After step S504 a, the process moves on to step S505 awhere the plotter control unit 210 a switches the power status of theplotter 310 a (not shown) to power on mode.

In the process sequence related to the scanner control unit 210 b, afterstep S503 b, the process moves on to step S504 b where the power statusmonitoring unit 110 conveys a power status change request to the scannercontrol unit 210 b for switching to a power status corresponding topower on mode. After step S504 b, the process moves on to step S505 bwhere the scanner control unit 210 b switches the power status of thescanner 310 b (not shown) to power on mode.

In the process sequence related to the HDD control unit 210 c, afterstep S503 c, the process moves on to step S504 c where the power statusmonitoring unit 110 conveys a power status change request to the HDDcontrol unit 210 c for switching to a power status corresponding topower on mode. After step S504 c, the process moves on to step S505 cwhere the HDD control unit 210 c switches the power status of the HDD310 c (not shown) to power on mode.

In the process sequence related to the plotter control unit 210 a, afterstep S505 a, the process moves on to step S506 a where the plottercontrol unit 210 a conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 110 indicating that the power status ofthe plotter 310 a has been switched to power on mode as requested.

In the process sequence related to the scanner control unit 210 b, afterstep S505 b, the process moves on to step S506 b where the scannercontrol unit 210 b conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 110 indicating that the power status ofthe scanner 310 b has been switched to power on mode as requested.

In the process sequence related to the HDD control unit 210 c, afterstep S505 c, the process moves on to step S506 c where the HDD controlunit 210 c conveys a power status change completion signal to the powerstatus monitoring unit 110 indicating that the power status of the HDD310 c has been switched to power on mode as requested.

The above process sequences of S501-S506 a, S501-S506 b, and S501-S506 ccorrespond to transitions of the power status from the time the mainpower supply of the copier is turned on to the time the devices of thecopier are activated and switched to power on mode.

In the following, process sequences performed in a case where the copieris switched from power on mode to power off mode are described. In stepS507, the power status monitoring unit 110 sets the power mode to poweroff mode. In one example, the power status monitoring unit 110 may setthe power mode to power off mode when a power key is operated duringnormal mode.

In the process sequence related to the plotter control unit 210 a, afterstep S507, the process moves on to step S508 a where the power statusmonitoring unit 110 conveys a power status change request to the plottercontrol unit 210 a for switching to a power status corresponding topower off mode. After step S508 a, the process moves on to step S509 awhere the plotter control unit 210 a switches the power status of theplotter 310 a (not shown) to power off mode.

In the process sequence related to the scanner control unit 210 b, afterstep S507, the process moves on to step S508 b where the power statusmonitoring unit 110 conveys a power status change request to the scannercontrol unit 210 b for switching to a power status corresponding topower off mode. After step S508 b, the process moves on to step S509 bwhere the scanner control unit 210 b switches the power status of thescanner 310 b (not shown) to power off mode.

In the process sequence related to the HDD control unit 210 c, afterstep S507, the process moves on to step S508 c where the power statusmonitoring unit 110 conveys a power status change request to the HDDcontrol unit 210 c for switching to a power status corresponding topower off mode. After step S508 c, the process moves on to step S509 cwhere the HDD control unit 210 c switches the power status of the HDD310 c (not shown) to power off mode.

After step S509 a, the process moves on to step S510 a where the plottercontrol unit 210 a conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 110 indicating that the power status ofthe plotter 310 a has been switched to power off mode as requested.

After step S509 b, the process moves on to step S510 b where the scannercontrol unit 210 b conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 110 indicating that the power status ofthe scanner 310 b has been switched to power off mode as requested.

After step S509 c, the process moves on to step S510 c where the HDDcontrol unit 210 c conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 110 indicating that the power status ofthe HDD 310 c has been switched to power off mode as requested.

According to one embodiment, in steps S505 a, S505 b, S505 c, S509 a,S509 b, and S509 c, the plotter/scanner/HDD control units 210 a-210 cmay be configured to change the statuses of the plotter 310 a, thescanner 310 b, and the HDD 310 c, respectively, in the case where thepower statuses of these devices 310 a-310 c acquired by device statusacquiring means of the plotter/scanner/HDD control units 210 a-210 c aredifferent from the requested power status.

(FIG. 8)

FIG. 8 is a sequence chart illustrating exemplary process sequences forsetting the power mode of a multifunction machine corresponding to animage processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. The multifunction machine of FIG. 8 includes a plotter 320 a(not shown), a scanner 320 b (not shown), and a network device 320 d(not shown) as devices to be controlled, and a plotter control unit 220a, a scanner control unit 220 b, and a network device control unit 220 das corresponding device control units.

In step S601 of FIG. 8, the main power supply of the multifunctionmachine is turned on and a power status monitoring unit 120 isactivated. In steps S601 a, S601 b, and S601 d that may be performed atthe same time as step S601 or after step S601, the plotter control unit220 a, the scanner control unit 220 b, and the network device controlunit 220 d are activated, respectively.

In the process sequence related to the plotter control unit 220 a, afterstep S601 a, the process moves on to step S602 a where the plottercontrol unit 220 a conveys a registration request to the power statusmonitoring unit 120. After step S602 a, the process moves on to stepS603 a where device registering means of the power status monitoringunit 120 registers the plotter control unit 220 a.

In the process sequence related to the scanner control unit 220 b, afterstep S601 b, the process moves on to step S602 b where the scannercontrol unit 220 b conveys a registration request to the power statusmonitoring unit 120. After step S602 b, the process moves on to stepS603 b where device registering means of the power status monitoringunit 120 registers the scanner control unit 220 b.

In the process sequence related to the network device control unit 220d, after step S601 d, the process moves on to step S602 d where thenetwork device control unit 220 d conveys a registration request to thepower status monitoring unit 120. After step S602 c, the process moveson to step S603 c where device registering means of the power statusmonitoring unit 120 registers the network device control unit 220 d.

In one embodiment, the plotter/scanner/network device control units 220a-220 d may convey predetermined information to the power statusmonitoring unit 120 in the registration requesting steps S602 a-S602 d.The predetermined information may be information on the type of devicecontrolled by the device control unit or attributes of the device, forexample. Attributes of a device may be information indicating whetherpower status change operations are to be retried after the elapse of apredetermined time period in a case where the status of the device isreset to a previous power status due to an inconsistency between thestatus of the device acquired by device status acquiring means and therequested power status.

In the process sequence related to the plotter control unit 220 a, afterstep S603 a, the process moves on to step S604 a where the power statusmonitoring unit 120 conveys a power status change request to the plottercontrol unit 220 a for switching to a power status corresponding topower on mode. After step S604 a, the process moves on to step S605 awhere the plotter control unit 220 a switches the power status of theplotter 320 a (not shown) to power on mode.

In the process sequence related to the scanner control unit 220 b, afterstep S603 b, the process moves on to step S604 b where the power statusmonitoring unit 110 conveys a power status change request to the scannercontrol unit 220 b for switching to a power status corresponding topower on mode. After step S604 b, the process moves on to step S605 bwhere the scanner control unit 220 b switches the power status of thescanner 320 b (not shown) to power on mode.

In the process sequence related to the network device control unit 220d, after step S603 d, the process moves on to step S604 d where thepower status monitoring unit 120 conveys a power status change requestto the network device control unit 220 d for switching to a power statuscorresponding to power on mode. After step S604 d, the process moves onto step S605 d where the network device control unit 220 d switches thepower status of the network device 320 d (not shown) to power on mode.

In the process sequence related to the plotter control unit 220 a, afterstep S605 a, the process moves on to step S606 a where the plottercontrol unit 220 a conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 120 indicating that the power status ofthe plotter 320 a has been switched to power on mode as requested.

In the process sequence related to the scanner control unit 220 b, afterstep S605 b, the process moves on to step S606 b where the scannercontrol unit 220 b conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 120 indicating that the power status ofthe scanner 320 b has been switched to power on mode as requested.

In the process sequence related to the network device control unit 220d, after step S605 d, the process moves on to step S606 d where theplotter control unit 220 d conveys a power status change completionsignal to the power status monitoring unit 120 indicating that the powerstatus of the network device 320 d has been switched to power on mode asrequested.

The above process sequences of S501-S506 a, S501-S506 b, and S501-S506 ccorrespond to transitions of the power status from the time the mainpower supply of the multifunction machine is turned on to the time thedevices of the multifunction machine are activated and switched to poweron mode.

In the following, process sequences performed in a case where themultifunction machine is switched from power on mode to sleep mode aredescribed. In step S607, the power status monitoring unit 120 sets thepower mode to power off mode. In one example, the power statusmonitoring unit 120 may set the power mode to sleep mode when outputoperations are not performed for a predetermine time period duringnormal mode.

In the process sequence related to the plotter control unit 220 a, afterstep S607, the process moves on to step S608 a where the power statusmonitoring unit 120 conveys a power status change request to the plottercontrol unit 220 a for switching to a power status corresponding tosleep mode. After step S608 a, the process moves on to step S609 a wherethe plotter control unit 220 a switches the power status of the plotter320 a (not shown) to sleep mode.

In the process sequence related to the scanner control unit 220 b, afterstep S607, the process moves on to step S608 b where the power statusmonitoring unit 120 conveys a power status change request to the scannercontrol unit 220 b for switching to a power status corresponding tosleep mode. After step S608 b, the process moves on to step S609 b wherethe scanner control unit 220 b switches the power status of the scanner320 b (not shown) to sleep mode.

In the process sequence related to the network device control unit 220d, after step S607, the process moves on to step S608 c where the powerstatus monitoring unit 120 conveys a power status change request to thenetwork device control unit 220 d for switching to a power statuscorresponding to sleep mode. After step S608 c, the process moves on tostep S609 c where the network device control unit 220 d switches thepower status of the network device 320 d (not shown) to sleep mode.

In one embodiment, the power status the network device 320 d in sleepMode may be the same as the power status of the network device 320 d innormal mode. In such an embodiment, the multifunction machine may beable to receive data via a network even during sleep mode.

After step S609 a, the process moves on to step S610 a where the plottercontrol unit 220 a conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 120 indicating that the power status ofthe plotter 320 a has been switched to sleep mode as requested.

After step S609 b, the process moves on to step S610 b where the scannercontrol unit 220 b conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 120 indicating that the power status ofthe scanner 320 b has been switched to sleep mode as requested.

After step S609 d, the process moves on to step S610 d where the networkdevice control unit 220 d conveys a power status change completionsignal to the power status monitoring unit 120 indicating that the powerstatus of the network device 320 d has been switched to sleep mode asrequested.

According to one embodiment, in steps S605 a, S605 b, S605 d, S609 a,S609 b, and S609 d, the plotter/scanner/network device control units 220a-220 d may be configured to change the statuses of the plotter 320 a,the scanner 320 b, and the network device 320 d, respectively, in thecase where the power statuses of these devices 320 a-320 d acquired bydevice status acquiring means of the plotter/scanner/network devicecontrol units 220 a-220 d are different from the requested power status.

[Second Embodiment]

(FIG. 9)

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of animage processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of thepresent invention. In the illustrated image processing apparatus 2 ofFIG. 9, the power status of one or more devices is controlled bycorresponding device control means according to power modes set by powermode setting means, and corresponding function providing means for thedevices provides device functions according to the set power modes.

The image processing apparatus 2 includes power mode setting means 10 a,device control means 20 a-20 c, devices 30 a-30 c, a power supply 40,and function providing means 50 a-50 c. It is noted that functionalelements of the image processing apparatus 2 according to the secondembodiment that are identical to those of the image processing apparatus1 according to the first embodiment are given the same referencenumerals and their descriptions are omitted.

The power mode setting means 10 a includes device registering means 11,previous power mode retaining means 12, and function registering means13. The device registering means 11 is for registering the devicesincluded in the image processing apparatus 2 and attribute informationof the devices. The previous power mode retaining means 12 is forstoring either the latest power mode or the one before the latest powermode set by the power mode setting means 10 a. In this way, when currentpower mode setting is rejected by one or more of the device controlmeans 20 a-20 c, the power mode may be reset to the previously set powermode. In one embodiment, the previous power mode retaining means 12 maybe configured to store the power mode previously set by the power modesetting means 10 a from the time power mode setting operations arestarted to the time such operations are completed, and at other times,the previous power mode retaining means 12 may be configured to storethe current power mode. In this case, the previous power mode retainingmeans 12 may update the power mode stored therein to the current powermode upon being informed of the completion of power mode change(setting) operations by the function providing means 50 a-50 c and thedevice control means 20 a-20 c, for example.

The function registering means 13 is for registering the functionproviding means 50 a-50 c. In one embodiment, the function registeringmeans 13 may be configured to store information on the correspondencebetween the function providing means 50 a-50 c and the device controlmeans 20 a-20 c. In other embodiments, information on the correspondencebetween the function providing means 50 a-50 c and the device controlmeans 20 a-20 c may be stored in the device registering means 11 or someother relevant element of the image processing apparatus 2.

The function providing means 50 a-50 c is for providing functions to berealized by the devices 30 a-30 c. In the illustrated example, thefunction providing means 50 a-50 c are associated with the devices 20a-20 c, respectively, and provide device functions according to the setpower mode. In one specific example, the function providing means 50 amay output a request signal to the device control means 20 a forexecuting a particular function of the device 30 a. In other words, theimage processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment mayhave function providing means for each device, for each device controlmeans, and/or for each function to be realized by a device, for example,and the function providing means may be registered in association withthe corresponding device, device control means, and/or function realizedby the device.

In one embodiment, the function providing means 50 a-50 c may beconfigured to provide functions to be realized by the devices 30 a-30 cbased on requests received from an interface unit or a control unit (notshown), for example. In this way, jobs of the image processing apparatus2 may be executed, for example.

(Correspondence of Units of FIGS. 10-18 to FIG. 9)

Power monitoring unit 100 shown in FIGS. 10-18 corresponds to power modesetting means 10 a of FIG. 9. Device control units 200 a and 200 b shownin FIGS. 10-18 may correspond to any of the device control means 20 a-20c of FIG. 9. Service providing units 500 a and 500 b may correspond toany of the function providing means 50 a-50 c of FIG. 9.

(FIG. 10)

FIG. 10 is a sequence chart illustrating a basic power control processsequence of the image processing apparatus according to the secondembodiment of the present invention. According to the illustratedexample of FIG. 10, when a main power supply of the image processingapparatus is turned on, information on a device included in the imageprocessing apparatus, a device control unit that controls the device,and a service providing unit is registered and a relevant power mode isset. Specifically, in FIG. 10, power mode setting and power statuscontrol operations of the image processing apparatus may be performed byhaving the device control unit 200 a and the service providing unit 500a exchange requests and responses with the power monitoring unit 100. Itis noted that the device control unit 200 a may be configured to controla device 300 a (not shown) that is included in the image processingapparatus, for example.

It is noted that in the process sequence from steps S701 to S707,process steps S701 a-S706 related to the device control units 200 a andprocess steps S751 a-S756 a related to the service providing unit 500 amay be performed asynchronously. Also, in the process sequence afterstep S707, process steps S708 a-S710 a related to the device controlunit 200 a and the process steps S758 a-S760 a related to the serviceproviding unit 500 a may be performed asynchronously.

In step S701 of FIG. 10, the main power supply is turned on and thepower monitoring unit 100 is activated. In steps S701 a and S751 a thatmay be performed at the same time as step S701 or after step S701, thedevice control unit 200 a is activated (S701 a) and the serviceproviding unit 500 a is activated (S751 a).

In the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 a, afterstep S701 a, the process moves on to step S702 a where the devicecontrol unit 200 a outputs a device registration request to the powerstatus monitoring unit 100. The device registration request may includeinformation on the type of the device 300 a controlled by the devicecontrol unit 200 a and/or attribute information of the device 300 a, forexample. After step S702 a, the process moves on to step S703 a wheredevice registering means of the power status monitoring unit 100registers the device control unit 200 a.

After step S703 a, the process moves on to step S704 a where the powermonitoring unit 100 conveys a power status change request to the devicecontrol unit 200 a for switching to a power status corresponding topower on mode. After step S704 a, the process moves on to step S705 awhere the device control unit 200 a sets the power status of itscorresponding device 300 a (not shown) to power on mode.

After step S705 a, the process moves on to step S706 a where the devicecontrol unit 200 a conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the power status ofthe device 300 a has been switched to power on mode.

In the process sequence related to the service providing unit 500 a,after step S751 a, the process moves on to step S752 a where the serviceproviding unit 500 a conveys a service registration request to the powermonitoring unit 100.

The service registration request may include information on the type offunction provided by the service providing unit 500 a and/or attributeinformation of the function, for example. After step S752 a, the processmoves on to step S753 a where function registering means of the powerstatus monitoring unit 100 registers the service providing unit 500 a.In one embodiment, the function registering means may registerinformation associating the service providing unit 500 a with the devicecontrol unit 200 a.

After step S753 a, the process moves on to step S754 a where the powermonitoring unit 100 outputs a power status change request to the serviceproviding unit 500 a for switching to a power status corresponding topower on mode. After step S754 a, the process moves on to step S755 awhere the service providing unit 500 a changes its power status to poweron mode as requested.

After step S755 a, the process moves on to step S756 a where the serviceproviding unit 500 a conveys a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the power status ofservice providing unit 500 a has been switched to power on mode asrequested.

The above process sequences from step S701 to step S706 a and from stepS701 to step S756 a relate to operations for switching the powerstatuses of the device control unit 200 a and the service providing unit500 a to power on mode.

The process of FIG. 10 may move on to step S707 after a predeterminedtime period elapses from the completion of steps S706 a and S756 a. Itis noted that information on the predetermined time period may be storedin a storage unit (not shown) of the image processing apparatus 2, orsuch information may be determined based on values input to the imageprocessing apparatus 2 by a user, for example. In one embodiment, stepS707 may be performed when image processing operations or communicationoperations are not performed in the image processing apparatus 2 for apredetermined time period. In step S707, the power status monitoringunit 100 sets the power mode of the image processing apparatus to lowpower mode. After step S707, the process moves on to steps S708 a andS758 a described below.

In the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 a, instep S708 a, the power monitoring unit 100 outputs a power status changerequest to the device control unit 200 a for switching to a power statuscorresponding to low power mode. After step S708 a, the process moves onto step S709 a where the device control unit 200 a switches the powerstatus of its corresponding device 300 a (not shown) to low power mode.After step S709 a, the process moves on to step S710 a where the devicecontrol unit 200 a outputs a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the power status ofthe device 300 a has been switched to low power mode as requested.

In the process sequence related to the service providing unit 500 a, instep S758 a, the power monitoring unit 100 outputs a power status changerequest to the service providing unit 500 a for switching to a powerstatus corresponding to low power mode. After step S758 a, the processmoves on to step S759 a where the service providing unit 500 a switchesits power status to low power mode. After step S759 a, the process moveson to step S760 a where the service providing unit 500 a outputs a powerstatus change completion signal to the power status monitoring unit 100indicating that the power status of the service providing unit 500 a hasbeen switched to low power mode as requested.

By performing the above process sequences from step S707 to steps S710 aand steps S760 a, the power statuses of the device 300 a of the imageprocessing apparatus 2 and its corresponding service providing unit 500a may be switched from power on mode to low power mode.

According to an aspect of the present embodiment, the power status of aservice providing unit that provides a function of a correspondingdevice and the power status of the corresponding device may be arrangedto be the same so that instances in which a request for a function isissued from the service providing unit when the corresponding device isinactive may be reduced, for example, to thereby enable efficientcontrol of the image processing apparatus.

(FIG. 11)

FIG. 11 is a sequence chart illustrating another exemplary processsequence of the image processing apparatus according to the secondembodiment. In the process sequence of FIG. 11, the order in which powermode setting operations are performed on the device control unit 200 aand the service providing unit 500 a is fixed. For example, in the caseof switching from a higher power consuming power mode to a lower powerconsuming power mode, if the power status of the device control unit 200a is switched according to such power mode change before the powerstatus of the service providing unit 500 a is switched, the serviceproviding unit 500 a may issue a request for the execution of a functionof a device with respect to the device control unit 200 a when thedevice is already inactive.

In order to prevent such a problem from occurring, in the presentexample, the power mode of the device control unit 200 is changed afterthe power mode of the service providing unit 500 a is changed in thecase of switching the power mode to a lower power consuming power mode,and the power mode of the device control unit 200 a is changed beforethe power mode of the service providing unit 500 a is changed in thecase of switching the power mode to a higher power consuming power mode.

In this way, a request for use of a function of a device may beprevented from being issued when power status change operations arebeing performed for changing the power status of a device to a lowerpower consuming power mode. Also, by arranging a service providing unitto be activated after power is supplied to a corresponding device in thecase of switching the power mode to a higher power consuming power mode,a request for use of a function of the device may be prevented frombeing issued when the corresponding device is still inactive, forexample.

In the process sequence of FIG. 11, power mode setting and power controloperations of the image processing apparatus 2 may be performed byhaving the device control unit 200 a and the service providing unit 500a exchange requests and responses with the power status monitoring unit100 as in FIG. 10.

It is noted that in FIG. 10, the process sequence related to the devicecontrol unit 200 a and the process sequence related to the serviceproviding unit 500 a may be performed asynchronously; however, in FIG.11, the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 a andthe process sequence related to the service providing unit 500 a aresynchronized, and the process steps have to be performed in theindicated order.

In step S801 of FIG. 11, the main power supply of the image processingapparatus is turned on and the power monitoring unit 100 is activated.In steps S801 a and S851 a that may be performed at the same time asstep S801 or after step S701, the device control unit 200 a is activated(S701 a) and the service providing unit 500 a is activated (S751 a).

After performing step S801 a, the process moves on to step S802 a wherethe device control unit 200 a outputs a device registration request tothe power status monitoring unit 100. The device registration requestmay include information on the type of the device 300 a controlled bythe device control unit 200 a and/or attribute information of the device300 a, for example. After step S802 a, the process moves on to step S803a where device registering means of the power status monitoring unit 100registers the device control unit 200 a.

After performing steps S851 a and S803 a, the process moves on to stepS852 a where the service providing unit 500 a outputs a serviceregistration request to the power monitoring unit 100. The serviceregistration request may include information on the type of functionprovided by the service providing unit 500 a and/or attributeinformation of the function, for example. After step S852 a, the processmoves on to step S853 a where function registering means of the powerstatus monitoring unit 100 registers the service providing unit 500 a.In one embodiment, the function registering means may registerinformation associating the service providing unit 500 a with the devicecontrol unit 200 a.

After performing step S853 a, the process moves on to step S804 a wherethe power monitoring unit 100 outputs a power status change request tothe device control unit 200 a for switching to a power statuscorresponding to power on mode. After step S804 a, the process moves onto step S805 a where the device control unit 200 a sets the power statusof its corresponding device 300 a (not shown) to power on mode.

After step S805 a, the process moves on to step S806 a where the devicecontrol unit 200 a outputs a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the power status ofthe device 300 a has been switched to power on mode as requested.

After performing step S806 a, the process moves on to step S854 a wherethe power monitoring unit 100 outputs a power status change request tothe service providing unit 500 a for switching to a power statuscorresponding to power on mode. After step S854 a, the process moves onto step S855 a where the service providing unit 500 a changes its powerstatus to power on mode as requested.

After performing step S855 a, the process moves on to step S856 a wherethe service providing unit 500 a conveys a power status changecompletion signal to the power status monitoring unit 100 indicatingthat the power status of service providing unit 500 a has been switchedto power on mode as requested.

The above process sequence from step S801 to step S856 a relate tooperations for switching the power statuses of the device control unit200 a and the service providing unit 500 a to power on mode.

It is noted that since the power mode of the service providing unit 500a is to be set to on mode after the power mode of the device controlunit 200 a is set to on mode in the present process sequence, mediationprocesses may be simplified between the service providing unit 500 athat issues a request for the execution of a function and the devicecontrol unit 200 a that controls the device 300 a having the requestedfunction.

After a predetermined time period elapses from the time step S856 a iscompleted, the process of FIG. 11 may move on to step S807. It is notedthat information on the predetermined time period may be stored in astorage unit (not shown) of the image processing apparatus 2, or suchinformation may be determined based on values input to the imageprocessing apparatus 2 by a user, for example. In one embodiment, stepS807 may be performed when image processing operations or communicationoperations are not performed in the image processing apparatus 2 for apredetermined time period. In step S807, the power status monitoringunit 100 sets the power mode to low power mode.

After step S807, the process moves on to step S858 a where the powermonitoring unit 100 outputs a power status change request to the serviceproviding unit 500 a for switching to a power status corresponding tolow power mode. After step S858 a, the process moves on to step S859 awhere the service providing unit 500 a switches its power status to lowpower mode. After step S859 a, the process moves on to step S860 a wherethe service providing unit 500 a outputs a power status changecompletion signal to the power status monitoring unit 100 indicatingthat the power status of the service providing unit 500 a has beenswitched to low power mode as requested.

After performing step S860 a, the process moves on to step S808 a wherethe power monitoring unit 100 outputs a power status change request tothe device control unit 200 a for switching to a power statuscorresponding to low power mode. After step S808 a, the process moves onto step S809 a where the device control unit 200 a switches the powerstatus of its corresponding device 300 a (not shown) to low power mode.After step S809 a, the process moves on to step S810 a where the devicecontrol unit 200 a outputs a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the power status ofthe device 300 a has been switched to low power mode as requested.

By performing the above process sequence from step S807 to step S810 a,the power statuses of the device 300 a of the image processing apparatus2 and its corresponding service providing unit 500 a may be switchedfrom power on mode to low power mode.

It is noted that by arranging the power mode of the device control unit200 a to be changed after the power mode of the service providing unit500 a is changed in the present process sequence, mediation processesmay be simplified between the service providing unit 500 a that requestfor execution of a function of device 300 a and the device control unit200 a that control the device 300 a, for example.

(FIG. 12)

FIG. 12 is a sequence chart illustrating an exemplary process sequencethat involves outputting a power mode setting preparation request to theservice providing unit 500 a in order to prevent a device functionexecution request from being issued during power mode change (setting)operations of the service providing unit 500 a and the device controlunit 200 a.

In the process sequence of FIG. 12, power mode setting and power statuscontrol operations are performed by having the device control unit 200 aand the service providing unit 500 a of the image processing apparatus 2exchange requests and responses with the power status monitoring unit100 as in the process sequences of FIGS. 10 and 11.

As is described above, in FIG. 10, the process sequence related to thedevice control unit 200 a and the process sequence related to theservice providing unit 500 a may be performed asynchronously, whereas inFIG. 11, the process sequence related to the device control unit 200 aand the process sequence related to the service providing unit 500 ahave to be performed synchronously. In FIG. 12, the device control unit200 a and the service providing unit 500 a may perform power modesetting operations asynchronously after a power mode setting preparationrequest is output to the service providing unit 500 a. In this way,processes of the device control unit 200 a and the service providingunit 500 a may be performed in parallel so that the process time may bereduced, for example.

Also, in FIG. 12, the order in which the power setting process sequencesof the device control unit 200 a and the service providing unit 500 aare performed may be the same in both cases of switching to a lowerpower consuming power mode and switching to a higher power consumingpower mode so that mediation between the device control unit 200 a andthe service providing unit 500 a related to power mode setting may besimplified, for example.

It is noted that the process sequence from step S901 to step S953 a ofFIG. 12 is identical to the process sequence from step S802 to step 853a of FIG. 11 so that descriptions thereof are omitted. Also, the processsequences from step S901 to step S903 a of FIG. 12 and the processsequence from step S901 to step S953 a of FIG. 12 may be identical tothe process sequence from step S701 to step S703 a of FIG. 10 and theprocess sequence from step S701 to step S753 a of FIG. 10, respectively,for example.

In step S954 a of FIG. 12, the power status monitoring unit 100 outputsa power status change preparation request (power setting preparationrequest) to the service providing unit 500 a. After step S954 a, theprocess moves on to step S955 a where the service providing unit 500 astops operations for requesting execution of a device function based onthe preparation request received in step S954 a. In another example, theservice providing unit 500 a may be controlled to refrain from receivingany request for executing a device function from another unit such as acontrol unit (not shown) in response to receiving the preparationrequest. After step S955, the process moves on to step S956 where theservice providing unit 500 a outputs a power status change preparationcompletion signal to the power status monitoring unit 100.

After step S956 a, the process moves on to step S907 a and/or step S957a. It is noted that the process sequence from step S907 a to step S909 arelated to the device control unit 200 a may be identical to the processsequence from step S704 a to step S706 a of FIG. 10 so that descriptionsthereof are omitted. Also, the process sequence from step S957 a to stepS959 a related to the service providing unit 500 a may be identical tothe process sequence from step S754 a to step S756 a of FIG. 10 so thatdescriptions thereof are omitted. Further, it is noted that the processsequence from step S907 a to step S909 a and the process sequence fromstep S957 a to step S959 a may be performed asynchronously.

After performing step S909 a and/or step S959 a, the process moves on tostep S910. In step S910, the power status monitoring unit 100 sets thepower mode to low power mode when image processing operations orcommunication operations are not performed at the image processingapparatus 2 for a predetermined time period, for example.

After step S910, the process moves on to step S961 a where the powerstatus monitoring unit 100 outputs a power status change preparationrequest to the service providing unit 500 a. After step S961 a, theprocess moves on to step S962 a where the service providing unit 500 astops operations for requesting execution of a device function based onthe preparation request received in step S961 a. In another example, theservice providing unit 500 a may be controlled to refrain from receivinga device function execution request from another unit such as a controlunit (not shown). After step S962 a, the process moves on to step S963 awhere the service providing unit 500 a outputs a power status changepreparation completion signal to the power status monitoring unit 100.

After step S963 a, the process moves on to step S914 a and/or step S964a. It is noted that the process sequence from step S914 a to step S916 arelated to the device control unit 200 a may be identical to the processsequence from step S708 a to step S710 a of FIG. 10 so that descriptionsthereof are omitted. Also, the process sequence from step S964 a to stepS966 a related to the service providing unit 500 a may be identical tothe process sequence from step S758 a to step S760 a of FIG. 10 so thatdescriptions thereof are omitted. Further, it is noted that the processsequence from step S914 a to step S916 a and the process sequence fromstep S964 a to step S966 a may be performed asynchronously.

(FIG. 13)

FIG. 13 is a sequence chart illustrating another exemplary processsequence of the image processing apparatus 2 according to the secondembodiment in a case where an additional device is included. In FIG. 13,when the main power supply of the image processing apparatus 2 is turnedon, the devices included in the image processing apparatus 2, the devicecontrol units 200 a and 200 b that control these devices, and thefunction providing unit 500 a are registered and a relevant power modeis set. It is noted that in the process sequence of FIG. 13, power modesetting and power status control operations of the image processingapparatus 2 may be performed by having the device control units 200 a,200 b, and the service providing unit 500 a exchange requests andresponses with the power status monitoring unit 100. In the followingdescriptions, it is assumed that the device control unit 200 a isconfigured to control device 300 a (not shown), and the device controlunit 200 b is configured to control device 300 b (not shown).

In FIG. 13, the process sequence from step S1001 a to step S1010 arelated to the device control unit 200 a and the process sequence fromstep S1051 a to step S1060 a related to the service providing unit 500 aare substantially similar to the process sequence from step S701 a tostep S710 a related to the device control unit 200 a of FIG. 10 and theprocess sequence from step S751 a to step S760 a related to the serviceproviding unit 500 a of FIG. 10, respectively, so that descriptions ofthe identical steps are omitted. However, it is noted that in theprocess of FIG. 13, in step S1007, the power mode is set to power offmode by the power status monitoring unit 100, and the subsequent processsteps relate to power mode setting operations for setting the power modeto power off mode as opposed to the lower power mode.

Also, it is noted that the process sequence related to the devicecontrol unit 200 b is substantially identical to the process sequencerelated to the device control unit 200 a. That is, the process sequencesof the device control units 200 a and 200 b may be identical aside fromthe difference in the devices they control and the attribute informationof theses devices, and thereby descriptions of the process sequence ofthe device control unit 200 b are omitted.

It is noted that within the process sequence from step S1001 to stepS1007, the process sequence from step S1001 a to step S1006 a related tothe device control unit 200 a, the process sequence from step S1051 a tostep S1056 a related to the service providing unit 500 a, and theprocess sequence from step S1001 b to step S1006 b related to the devicecontrol unit 200 b may be performed asynchronously. Also, within theprocess sequence after step S1007, the process sequence from step S1008a to step S1010 a related to the device control unit 200 a, the processsequence from step S1058 a to step S1060 a related to the serviceproviding unit 500 a, and the process sequence from step S1008 b to stepS1010 b related to the device control unit 200 b may be performedasynchronously.

As can be appreciated from the above descriptions of the process of FIG.13, even when a device and its corresponding device control unit isadded to the image processing apparatus 2, power status settingoperations may be adequately performed within the image processingapparatus 2 by having information of the added device and device controlunit registered in the power status monitoring unit 100.

(FIG. 14)

FIG. 14 is a sequence chart illustrating another exemplary processsequence of the image processing apparatus 2 according to the secondembodiment in a case where an additional service providing unit isincluded. In FIG. 14, when the main power supply of the image processingapparatus 2 is turned on, the device of the image processing apparatus2, the device control unit 200 a that controls this device, and thefunction providing units 500 a and 500 b that provide the functions ofthe device are registered and a relevant power mode is set. It is notedthat in the process sequence of FIG. 14, power mode setting and powerstatus control operations of the image processing apparatus 2 may beperformed by having the device control unit 200 a and the serviceproviding units 500 a and 500 b exchange requests and responses with thepower status monitoring unit 100. In the following descriptions, it isassumed that the device control unit 200 a is configured to controldevice 300 a (not shown).

In FIG. 14, the process sequence from step S1101 a to step S1110 arelated to the device control unit 200 a and the process sequence fromstep S1151 a to step S1160 a related to the service providing unit 500 aare substantially similar to the process sequence from step S701 a tostep S710 a related to the device control unit 200 a of FIG. 10 and theprocess sequence from step S751 a to step S760 a related to the serviceproviding unit 500 a of FIG. 10, respectively, so that descriptions ofthe identical steps are omitted. However, it is noted that in theprocess of FIG. 14, in step S1107, the power mode is set to power offmode by the power status monitoring unit 100, and the subsequent processsteps relate to power mode setting operations for setting the power modeto power off mode as opposed to the lower power mode.

Also, it is noted that the process sequence related to the serviceproviding unit 500 b is substantially identical to the process sequencerelated to the service providing unit 500 a. That is, the processsequences of the service providing units 500 a and 500 b may beidentical aside from the difference in the device functions theyprovide, and thereby descriptions of the process sequence of the aservice providing unit 500 b are omitted.

It is noted that within the process sequence from step S1101 to stepS1107, the process sequence from step S1101 a to step S1106 a related tothe device control unit 200 a, the process sequence from step S1151 a tostep S1156 a related to the service providing unit 500 a, and theprocess sequence from step S1151 b to step S1156 b related to theservice providing unit 500 b may be performed asynchronously. Also,within the process sequence after step S1107, the process sequence fromstep S1108 a to step S1110 a related to the device control unit 200 a,the process sequence from step S1158 a to step S1160 a related to theservice providing unit 500 a, and the process sequence from step S1158 bto step S1160 b related to the service providing unit 500 b may beperformed asynchronously.

As can be appreciated from the above descriptions of the process of FIG.14, even when a service providing unit is added to the image processingapparatus 2, power status setting operations may be adequately performedwithin the image processing apparatus 2 by having information of theadded service providing unit registered in the power status monitoringunit 100.

(FIG. 15)

FIG. 15 is a sequence chart illustrating another exemplary processsequence of the image processing apparatus 2 according to the secondembodiment in a case where the service providing unit is unable toswitch its power status to that corresponding to a requested power mode.In FIG. 15, when the main power supply of the image processing apparatus2 is turned on, the device of the image processing apparatus 2, thedevice control unit 200 a that controls this device, and the functionproviding units 500 a and 500 b that provide the functions of the deviceare registered and a relevant power mode is set. It is noted that in theprocess sequence of FIG. 15, power mode setting and power status controloperations of the image processing apparatus 2 may be performed byhaving the device control unit 200 a and the service providing units 500a and 500 b exchange requests and responses with the power statusmonitoring unit 100. In the following descriptions, it is assumed thatthe device control unit 200 a is configured to control device 300 a (notshown).

It is noted that the process sequence from step S1201 a to step S1210 arelated to the device control unit 200 a of FIG. 15 may be identical tothe process sequence from step S701 a to step S710 a related to thedevice control unit 200 a of FIG. 10. Also, the process sequence fromstep S1251 a to step S1260 a related to the service providing unit 500 aand the process sequence from step S1251 b to step S1260 b related tothe service providing unit 500 b may be identical to the processsequence from step S751 a to step S760 a related to the serviceproviding unit 500 a of FIG. 10. Therefore, descriptions of theseprocess steps are omitted.

In step S1207, the power status monitoring unit 100 sets the power modeto power off mode. After step S1207, the process moves on to steps S1258a and S1258 b.

In step S1258 a related to the service providing unit 500 a, the powerstatus monitoring unit 100 outputs a power status change request to theservice providing unit 500 a for switching to a power statuscorresponding to power off mode. After step S1258 a, the process moveson to step 1259 a where the service providing unit 500 a switches itspower status to power off mode. After step S1259 a, the process moves onto step S1260 a where the service providing unit 500 a outputs a powerstatus change completion signal to the power status monitoring unit 100indicating that the power status of the service providing unit 500 a hasbeen switched to power off mode.

In step S1258 b related to the service providing unit 500 b, the powerstatus monitoring unit 100 outputs a power status change request to theservice providing unit 500 b for switching to a power statuscorresponding to power off mode. After step S1258 b, the process moveson to step 1259 b where the service providing unit 500 b attempts toswitch its power status to power off mode. However, in the presentexample, the power mode of the service providing unit 500 b cannot beswitched to the desired power status corresponding to power off mode sothat a determination to such effect (power status change disabled) ismade in step S1259 b. After step S1259 b, the process moves on to stepS1260 b where the service providing unit 500 b outputs a power statuschange rejection signal to the power status monitoring unit 100indicating that the power status of the service providing unit 500 bcannot be switched to power off mode.

After step S1260 b, the process moves on to step S1211 where the powerstatus monitoring unit 100 resets the power mode to normal mode. Afterstep S1211, the process moves on to steps S1262 a and S1262 b.

In step S1262 a related to the service providing unit 500 a, the powermonitoring unit 100 outputs a power status change request to the serviceproviding unit 500 a for switching to a power status corresponding tonormal mode. After step S1262 a, the process moves on to step S1263 awhere the service providing unit 500 a switches its power status tonormal mode. After step S1263 a, the process moves on to step S1264 awhere the service providing unit 500 a outputs a power status changecompletion signal to the power status monitoring unit 100 indicatingthat the power status of the service providing unit 500 a has beenswitched to normal mode.

In step S1262 b related to the service providing unit 500 b, the powermonitoring unit 100 outputs a power status change request to the serviceproviding unit 500 b for switching to a power status corresponding tonormal mode. After step S1262 b, the process moves on to step S1263 bwhere the service providing unit 500 b resets its power status to normalmode. In another embodiment, step S1263 b may be omitted since the powerstatus of the service providing unit 500 b is already in normal mode,and the process may proceed directly to step S1264 b.

After step S1263 b (or step S1262 b in the case where step S1263 b isskipped), the process moves on to step S1264 a where the serviceproviding unit 500 b outputs a power status change completion signal tothe power status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the power status ofthe service providing unit 500 b has been switched to normal mode.

It is noted that after step S1264 b, operations may be performed forsetting the power status of the device control unit 200 a to normalmode, for example. In the example of FIG. 15, the power statusmonitoring unit 100 does not output a power status change request to thedevice control unit 200 a since the power status of the device controlunit 200 a is already in normal mode. In this way, the number of processsteps may be reduced and the process time for completing a job of theimage processing apparatus may be reduced, for example.

As can be appreciated from the above descriptions, according to thepresent example, when the power status of one service providing unitcannot be switched to a desired power status corresponding to acurrently requested power mode, the power statuses of the other serviceproviding units and device control units may be reset to the previouspower mode set before the currently requested power mode.

(FIG. 16)

FIG. 16 is a sequence chart illustrating another exemplary processsequence of the image processing apparatus 2 according to the secondembodiment in the case where the service providing unit is unable toswitch its power status to a desired power status corresponding to therequested power mode. In the process of FIG. 16, the service providingunit that is unable to switch its power status to the desired powerstatus is configured to inform the power status monitoring unit of thepower status to which is can be switched.

It is noted that the process sequence from step S1301 to step S1304 ofFIG. 16 may be identical to the process sequence from step S1201 to stepS1204 of FIG. 15 so that descriptions there of are omitted.

In step S1307 of FIG. 16, the power status monitoring unit 100 sets thepower mode to power off mode. After step S1307, the process moves on tosteps S1358 a and S1358 b.

In step S1358 a related to the service providing unit 500 a, the powerstatus monitoring unit 100 outputs a power status change request to theservice providing unit 500 a for switching to a power statuscorresponding to power off mode. After step S1358 a, the process moveson to step S1359 a where the service providing unit 500 a switches itspower status to power off mode. After step S1359 a, the process moves onto step S1360 a where the service providing unit 500 a outputs a powerstatus change completion signal to the power status monitoring unit 100indicating that the power status of the service providing unit 500 a hasbeen switched to power off mode.

In step S1358 b related to the service providing unit 500 b, the powerstatus monitoring unit 100 outputs a power status change request to theservice providing unit 500 b for switching to a power statuscorresponding to power off mode.

After step S1358 b, the process moves on to step S1359 b where theservice providing unit 500 b attempts to switch its power status topower off mode. However, in the present example, the power status of theservice providing unit 500 b cannot be switched to power off mode sothat a determination to such effect (power status change disabled) ismade in step S1359 b. Further, in the present example, the power modecorresponding to an acceptable power status for the service providingunit 500 b is selected. Specifically, the low power mode is selected inthe present case.

It is noted that the acceptable power status refers to the power statusto which the service providing unit 500 b may be set. In one embodiment,if the requested power mode specified in the power status change requestto the service providing unit 500 b is a lower power consuming powermode with respect to the currently set power mode, a lower powerconsuming power mode of the power modes corresponding to the acceptablepower statuses for the service providing unit 500 b may be selected. Ifthe requested power mode specified in the power status change request tothe service providing unit 500 b is a higher power consuming power modewith respect to the currently set power mode, a higher power consumingpower mode of the power modes corresponding to the acceptable powerstatuses for the service providing unit 500 b may be selected. Further,it is noted that a power mode that is closest to the requested powermode is preferably selected from the power modes corresponding to theacceptable power statuses for the service providing unit 500 b.

After step S1359 b, the process moves on to step S1360 b where theservice providing unit 500 b outputs a power status change rejectionsignal to the power status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the powerstatus of the service providing unit 500 b cannot be switched to poweroff mode. It is noted that the power status change rejection signaloutput in step S1360 b includes information on the power mode selectedin step S1359 b.

After step S1360 b, the process moves on to step S1311 where the powerstatus monitoring unit 100 sets the power status to low power modecorresponding to the selected power mode specified in the power statuschange rejection signal output in step S1360. After step S1311, theprocess moves on to steps S1362 a and S1362 b.

In step S1362 a related to the service providing unit 500 a, the powerstatus change unit 100 outputs a power status change request to theservice providing unit 500 a for switching to a power statuscorresponding to low power mode. After step S1362 a, the process moveson to step S1363 a where the service providing unit 500 a sets its powerstatus to low power mode. After step S1363 a, the process moves on tostep S1364 a, where the service providing unit 500 a outputs a powerstatus change completion signal to the power status monitoring unit 100indicating that the power status of the service providing unit 500 a hasbeen switched to low power mode.

In step S1362 b related to the service providing unit 500 b, the powerstatus change unit 100 outputs a power status change request to theservice providing unit 500 b for switching to a power statuscorresponding to low power mode. After step S1362 b, the process moveson to step S1363 b where the service providing unit 500 b sets its powerstatus to low power mode. After step S1363 b, the process moves on tostep S1364 b where the service providing unit 500 b outputs a powerstatus change completion signal to the power status monitoring unit 100indicating that the power status of the service providing unit 500 b hasbeen switched to low power mode.

After step S1364 b, the process moves on to step S1312 a where the powerstatus monitoring unit 100 outputs a power status change request to thedevice control unit 200 a for switching to a power mode corresponding tolow power mode. After step S1312 a, the process moves on to step S1313 awhere the device control unit 200 a switches the power status of itscorresponding device 300 a (not shown) to low power mode. After stepS1313 a, the process moves on to step S1314 a where the device controlunit 200 a outputs a power status change completion signal to the powerstatus monitoring unit 100 indicating that the power status of thedevice 300 a has been switched to low power mode.

According to the present example, when the power status of a givenservice providing unit cannot be switched to a desired power statuscorresponding to the requested power mode, the power statuses of all theservice providing units and device control units of the image processingapparatus may be switched to an acceptable power status to which thegiven service providing unit can be switched.

(FIG. 17)

FIG. 17 is a sequence chart illustrating another exemplary processsequence of the image processing apparatus 2 according to the secondembodiment in the case where the power status of a service providingunit cannot be switched to a desired power status corresponding to therequested power mode. In the example of FIG. 17, a power status changepreparation request is output before a power status change request.

It is noted that the process sequence from step S1401 to step S1404 ofFIG. 17 may be identical to the process sequence from step S1201 to stepS1204 of FIG. 15 so that descriptions there of are omitted.

In step S1407 of FIG. 17, the power status monitoring unit 100 sets thepower mode to power off mode. After step S1407, the process moves on tosteps S1458 a and S1458 b.

In step S1458 a related to the service providing unit 500 a, the powerstatus monitoring unit 100 outputs a preparation request to the serviceproviding unit 500 a for switching to a power status corresponding topower off mode. After step S1458 a, the process moves on to step S1459 awhere the service providing unit 500 a stops accepting new requests forexecution of a device function, for example, as preparation forswitching to the power status corresponding to power off mode. Afterstep S1459 a, the process moves on to step S1460 a where the serviceproviding unit 500 a outputs a preparation completion signal to thepower status monitoring unit 100 indicating that preparations forswitching to a power status corresponding to power off mode have beencompleted within the service providing unit 500 a.

In step S1458 b related to the service providing unit 500 b, the powerstatus monitoring unit 100 outputs a preparation request to the serviceproviding unit 500 b for switching to a power status corresponding topower off mode.

After step S1458 b, the process moves on to step S1459 b where theservice providing unit 500 b attempts to stop accepting new requests forexecution of a device function, for example, as preparation forswitching to the power status corresponding to power off mode. However,in the present example, the status of the service providing unit 500 bcannot be switched to preparation status so that a determination to sucheffect (power status change preparation disabled) is made in step S1459b.

After step S1459 b, the process moves on to step S1460 b where theservice providing unit 500 b outputs a preparation rejection signal tothe power status monitoring unit 100 indicating that the status of theservice providing unit 500 b cannot be switched to preparation status asrequested.

After step S1460 b, the process moves on to step S1411 where the powerstatus monitoring unit 100 makes a determination to cancel thepreparation status for switching to the power status corresponding topower off mode in response to the preparation rejection signal receivedin step S1460 b. After step S1411, the process moves on to step S1462 a.

In step S1462 a related to the service providing unit 500 a, the powerstatus monitoring unit 100 outputs a power status change preparationcancellation request to the service providing unit 500 a. After stepS1462 a, the process moves on to step S1463 a where the serviceproviding unit 500 a cancels the preparation status to which it has beenswitched in step S1459 a. For example, the service providing unit 500 amay start accepting new requests for execution of a device function.

After step S1463 a, the process moves on to step S1464 a where theservice providing unit 500 a outputs a preparation status cancellationcompletion signal to the power status monitoring unit 100 indicatingthat the preparation status of the service providing unit 500 a has beencancelled.

It is noted that the process sequence from step S1462 b to step S1464 brelated to the service providing unit 500 b may be identical to theprocess sequence from step S1462 a to steps 1464 a related to theservice providing unit 500 a so that descriptions thereof are omitted.In one embodiment, the process sequence from step S1462 b to step S1464b may be omitted. That is, preparation status cancellation operationsmay be omitted for a service providing unit that has not been switchedto preparation status so that process operations may be simplified, forexample.

(FIG. 18)

FIG. 18 is a sequence chart illustrating another exemplary processsequence of the image processing apparatus 2 according to the secondembodiment in the case where the power status of a device control unitcannot be switched to a desired power status corresponding to therequested power mode.

It is noted that the process sequence from step S1501 a to step S1504related to the device control unit 200 a and the process sequence fromstep S1501 b to step S1504 related to the device control unit 200 b ofFIG. 18 are identical to the process sequence from step S701 a to stepS706 a related to the device control unit 200 a of FIG. 10 so thatdescriptions thereof are omitted.

Also, it is noted that the process sequence from step S1251 a to stepS1260 a related to the service providing unit 500 a of FIG. 18 may beidentical to the process sequence from step S751 a to step S756 arelated to the service providing unit 500 a of FIG. 10 so thatdescriptions thereof are omitted.

Also, it is noted that the process sequence from step S1507 to stepS1514 a related to the device control unit 200 a may be identical to theprocess sequence from step S307 to step S314 b related to the devicecontrol unit 200 b of FIG. 4, and the process sequence from step S1507to step S1514 b related to the device control unit 200 b of FIG. 18 maybe identical to the process sequence from step S307 to step S314 brelated to the device control unit 200 c of FIG. 4 so that descriptionsthereof are omitted.

Further, the process sequence from step S1507 to step S1564 a related tothe service providing unit 500 a of FIG. 18 may be identical to theprocess sequence from step as 1207 to step S1264 a related to theservice providing unit 500 a of FIG. 15 so that descriptions thereof areomitted.

In the process of FIG. 18, when the power status of the device controlunit 200 b cannot be switched to power off mode in step S1509 b, thepower statuses of the device control unit 200 a and the serviceproviding 500 a may be switched back to normal mode.

(FIG. 19)

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating another exemplary configuration of adevice control program according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. In the illustrated example of FIG. 19, ‘power mode’ isdefined as a common value in a device control interface part P110. The‘power mode’ is equivalent to one of the values of ‘power on mode’, ‘lowpower mode’, ‘sleep mode’, and ‘power off mode’. The value of the ‘powermode’ is inherited in device control parts P210 a, P210 b and serviceproviding part P510 a and reflected in these parts P210 a, P210 b, andP510 a.

To perform power mode setting or change operations, a power statuschange request is issued according to specifications described in devicecontrol interface P112. Power status setting parts P212 a, P212 b, andP512 a that are included in the device control parts P211 a, P211 b, andthe service providing unit 510 a, respectively, are configured toperform power status setting operations based on programs adapted forcontrolling their corresponding devices and convey the results of theoperations as return values to the device control interface P112. Thedevice control interface is configured to receive a value representing‘power status change completion’, ‘power status change rejection’,‘preparation completion’, or ‘preparation rejection’ as the returnvalue. In one embodiment, when the operations result correspond to‘power status change rejection’ or ‘preparation rejection’, a valuerepresenting ‘power on mode’, ‘low power mode’, ‘sleep mode’, or ‘poweroff mode’ may be added as a return parameter representing an acceptablepower mode.

It is noted that the device control interface P110 may be a program forenabling a computer to function as power mode setting means according toan embodiment of the present invention, the device control parts P210 aand P210 b may be programs for enabling a computer to function as devicecontrol means according to an embodiment of the present invention, andthe service providing part P510 a may be a program for enabling acomputer to function as function providing means according to anembodiment of the present invention.

(Configuration of Computer)

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration of a computer thatfunctions as an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. The illustrated computer of FIG. 20 as an imageprocessing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present inventionincludes a main processing unit 900, an input device 910, a displayapparatus 920, a printer 930, a scanner 940, and a HDD 990. The mainprocessing unit 900 is for executing functions of the computer andincludes an CPU 901, a ROM 908, and a RAM 909. The CPU 901 may execute acomputer program according to an embodiment of the present invention byreading the computer program from the ROM 908 and developing the readprogram on the RAM 909, for example. The ROM 908 may be a nonvolatilememory that stores programs to be executed by the CPU 901 and parametersfor controlling the image processing apparatus, for example. The RAM 909may be a working memory to be used by the CPU 901 during operation.

The input device 910 may be a keyboard or some other input interfacethat is used by an operator upon inputting instructions to the imageprocessing apparatus, for example. The display apparatus 920 may beconfigured to indicate the status of the image processing apparatus, forexample. The printer 930 may be an apparatus that forms an image on amedium and outputs the image, for example. The scanner 940 may be anapparatus that optically reads an image formed on a medium, for example.The HDD 990 may be a storage device for storing large amounts of datasuch as image data.

A computer program according to an embodiment of the present inventionmay be stored in the HDD 990, the ROM 908, or some othercomputer-readable medium (not shown) including a removable storagemedium that may be loaded into a drive apparatus (not shown) of thecomputer, for example.

In the following, exemplary advantages that may be realized byembodiments of the present invention are described.

An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention may include plural devices, device control means associatedwith each of the devices for controlling a power status of each of thedevices according to a relevant power mode, and power mode setting meansfor setting the relevant power mode to the device control means.

In this way, when a device of the image processing apparatus is added orchanged, control means associated with the added/changed device may beadded/changed accordingly so that power control may be adequatelyperformed on the devices of the image processing apparatus, for example.

In one preferred embodiment, the power mode setting means may includedevice registering means for registering the device control means basedon a device registration request issued by the device control means.

In this way, a device connected to the image processing apparatus may beregistered for power control based on a device registration request fromthe device control means so that power control may be adequatelyperformed on the devices of the image processing apparatus regardless ofwhether devices subject to power control are determined beforehand, forexample.

In another preferred embodiment, the device control means may issue thedevice registration request when a power supply of the device controlmeans is turned on or when the device control means is newly added inconjunction with addition of a new device to the devices.

In this way, device registration information of the image processingapparatus may be updated when the power supply of a device is turned onor when a new device is added, for example.

In another preferred embodiment, the device registration request mayinclude attribute information pertaining to an attribute of acorresponding device of the devices controlled by the device controlmeans;

the device registering means may register the attribute information; and

the power mode setting means may set the relevant power mode based onthe attribute information registered by the device registering means.

In this way, a relevant power mode may be set according to attributes ofthe devices connected to the image processing apparatus, for example.

In another preferred embodiment, the power mode setting means may setthe relevant power mode to the device control means that is registeredin the device registering means.

In this way, the relevant power mode may be set to device control meansthat has been registered to inform the power mode setting means of theconnection of its associated device to the image processing apparatus,for example.

In another preferred embodiment, the power mode setting means mayinclude previous power mode retaining means for storing a previous powermode that is previously set;

the device control means may include device status acquiring means foracquiring a status of a corresponding device of the devices associatedwith the device control means; and

when the status of the corresponding device acquired by the devicestatus acquiring means is not consistent with the relevant power modeset by the power mode setting means, the device control means may issuea power status change rejection signal to the power mode setting means,and the power mode setting means may set the relevant power mode to theprevious power mode based on the power status change rejection signal.

In this way, when the status of a connected device is not consistentwith a requested power mode specified in a power mode setting request,the power mode of the image processing apparatus may be set to theprevious power mode, for example.

In another preferred embodiment, the image processing apparatus of thepresent embodiment may include

function providing means associated with each of device functions of thedevices; wherein

the power mode setting means sets the relevant power mode to thefunction providing means.

In this way, a relevant power mode may be set to an application forexecuting a function of a device connected to the image processingapparatus, for example.

In another preferred embodiment, the power mode setting means mayinclude function registering means for registering the functionproviding means in association with the device control means controllingthe devices having the device functions associated with the functionproviding means based on a function registration request issued by thefunction providing means.

In this way, an application for executing a function of a deviceconnected to the image processing apparatus may be associated with thedevice control means that controls this device, and a relevant powermode may be set to the application and the device control meansaccordingly, for example.

In another preferred embodiment, the function providing means may issuethe function registration request when a power supply of the functionproviding means is turned on, or when the function providing means isnewly added.

In this way, application (function) registration information of theimage processing apparatus may be updated when an application is turnedon or added, for example.

In another preferred embodiment, when switching the relevant power modefrom a currently set first power mode to a second power mode fordecreasing power consumption with respect to the first power mode, thepower mode setting means may set the second power mode to the functionproviding means before setting the second power mode to the devicecontrol means associated with the function providing means; and

when switching the relevant power mode from the currently set firstpower mode to a third power mode for increasing power consumption withrespect to the first power mode, the power mode setting means may setthe third power mode to the device control means before setting thethird power mode to the function providing means associated with thedevice control means.

In this way, operations of an application may be stopped before stoppingoperations of a corresponding device in the case of switching to a lowerpower consuming power mode, and a device may be activated before acorresponding application is activated in the case of switching to ahigher power consuming power mode so that mediation operations betweenan application and a device control unit may be simplified, for example.

In another preferred embodiment, when setting the relevant power mode tothe function providing means, the power mode setting means may issue apower mode setting preparation request before issuing a power settingrequest to the function providing means; and

the function providing means may stop providing a corresponding devicefunction of the device functions associated with the function providingmeans based on the power setting preparation request.

In this way, a request for a device function may be prevented from beingissued during power mode change operations so that mediation operationsbetween an application and a device control unit may be furthersimplified, for example.

In another preferred embodiment, when a status of the function providingmeans is not consistent with the relevant power mode set by the powermode setting means, the function providing means may inform the powersetting means of an acceptable power mode that is consistent with thestatus of the function providing means.

In this way, the power setting means may set the power status of thefunction providing means and the device control means according to theinformation on the acceptable power mode, for example.

It is noted that embodiments within the scope of the present inventioninclude an image processing apparatus, a power control method to beexecuted by an image processing apparatus, a computer program that isexecuted by a computer to perform a power control method, and acomputer-readable medium containing such a computer program. Thecomputer program may be embodied in any computer-readable medium forcarrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structuresstored thereon. Such a computer-readable medium can be any availablemedium which can be accessed by a general purpose or a special purposecomputer. By way of example, and not limitation, such acomputer-readable medium can comprise a physical storage medium such asa RAM, a ROM, an EEPROM, a CD-ROM, other optical disk storage devices,other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used tocarry or store desired program code means in the form ofcomputer-executable instructions or data structures and which can beaccessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. Such a mediummay include a wireless carrier signal, for example. When information istransferred or provided over a network or other communicationsconnection (either hardwired, wireless, or combinations thereof) to acomputer, the computer properly views the connection as acomputer-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly termed acomputer-readable medium. Combinations of the above should also beincluded within the scope of the computer-readable medium.Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions anddata which cause a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer,or a processing device to perform a certain function or a group offunctions.

Although the present invention is shown and described with respect tocertain preferred embodiments, it is obvious that equivalents andmodifications may occur to others skilled in the art upon reading andunderstanding the specification. The present invention includes all suchequivalents and modifications, and is limited only by the scope of theclaims.

The present application is based on and claims the benefit of theearlier filing date of Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-192963 filedon Jul. 13, 2006, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-110854 filedon Apr. 19, 2007, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporatedby reference.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus having a power source, the apparatus comprising: a processor; a plurality of devices which are activated by supplied power from the power source; a power mode setting unit configured to control a power mode of the apparatus; and a device control program executed by the processor configured to receive a request for setting of a power mode of any specified one or more of the plurality of devices, from the power mode setting unit, determine whether the power mode of the specified one or more of the plurality of devices is able to change according to the received request, and change the power mode of the specified one or more of the plurality of devices based on the received request in a case that it is determined that the power mode of the specified one or more of the plurality of devices is able to change, wherein the device control program is provided to each particular device amongst the plurality of devices, the device control program provided to the particular device being configured to control the particular device as a subject of the control, and wherein the device control program is further configured to send a result of setting of the power mode of the specified one or more of the plurality of devices to the power mode setting unit.
 2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power mode setting unit sends the request for setting of the power mode of the specified one or more of the plurality of devices to the device control program according to a predetermined specification.
 3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the device control program is further configured to send the result of setting of the power mode of the specified one or more of the plurality of devices to the power mode setting unit according to the predetermined specification.
 4. A method for controlling an apparatus including a power source, a plurality of devices which are activated by supplied power from the power source, a power mode setting unit, a processor and a device control program executed by the processor, the method comprising: (a) receiving power from the power source; providing a device control program to each particular device amongst the plurality of devices, the device control program provided to the particular device being configured to control the particular device as a subject of the control; (b) receiving a request for setting of a power mode of any specified one or more of the plurality of devices, from the power mode setting unit; (c) determining whether the power mode of the specified one or more of the plurality of devices is able to change according to the received request; (d) changing the power mode of the specified one or more of the plurality of devices based on the received request in a case that it is determined in (c) that the power mode of the specified one or more of the plurality of devices is able to change; and sending a result of setting of the power mode of the specified one or more of the plurality of devices to the power mode setting unit.
 5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein sending the request for setting of the power mode of the specified one or more of the plurality of devices to a device control program of the apparatus, according to a predetermined specification.
 6. The method as claimed in claim 5, further comprising: sending the result of setting of the power mode of the specified one or more of the plurality of devices to the power mode setting unit, according to the predetermined specification.
 7. A non-transitory computer readable medium tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a processor of an apparatus to perform a method for controlling the apparatus, the apparatus additionally including a power source, a plurality of devices which are activated by supplied power from the power source, and a power mode setting unit, the method comprising: (a) receiving power from the power source; providing a device control program to each particular device amongst the plurality of devices, the device control program provided to the particular device being configured to control the particular device as a subject of the control; (b) receiving a request for setting of a power mode of any specified one or more of the plurality of devices, from the power mode setting unit; (c) determining whether the power mode of the specified one or more of the plurality of devices is able to change according to the received request; (d) changing the power mode of the specified one or more of the plurality of devices based on the received request in a case that it is determined in (c) that the power mode of the specified one or more of the plurality of devices is able to change; and sending a result of setting of the power mode of the specified one or more of the plurality of devices to the power mode setting unit.
 8. The non-transitory computer readable medium as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method further comprises: sending the request for setting of the power mode of the specified one or more of the plurality of devices to a device control program of the apparatus, according to a predetermined specification.
 9. The non-transitory computer readable medium as claimed in claim 8, wherein the method further comprises: sending the result of setting of the power mode of the specified one or more of the plurality of devices to the power mode setting unit, according to the predetermined specification. 